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Cato Institute
Michael Cannon is Director of Health Policy Studies at the Cato Institute.
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Michael Cannon
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FROM Michael Cannon
Which Way, L.A.?
Healthcare Reform and Questions of Faith
"Forty Days for Health Reform" is a campaign based on the premise that affordable access to quality healthcare is a “moral imperative.” Jews, Catholics and Evangelical Christians on what's called the ”Religious Left” are backing TV ads urging people of faith to get behind congressional action. But other Catholic and Evangelical Christians don't see government as the Good Samaritan, especially if taxpayer money would pay for abortions. They contend that a government overhaul would “ration” healthcare, which they also see as morally wrong. What about other arguments, pro and con? Are they based more on faith than they are on reason?
To the Point
Healthcare Reform and Questions of Faith "Forty Days for Health Reform" is a campaign based on the premise that affordable access to quality healthcare is a “moral imperative.” Jews, Catholics and Evangelical Christians on what's called the ”Religious Left” are backing TV ads urging people of faith to get behind congressional action. But other Catholic and Evangelical Christians don't see government as the Good Samaritan, especially if taxpayer money would pay for abortions. They contend that a government overhaul would “ration” healthcare, which they also see as morally wrong. What about other arguments, pro and con? Are they based more on faith than they are on reason?
Which Way, L.A.?
Healthcare Reform and Race Relations President Obama's been criticized for taking on too many issues all at the same time. He began last night's opening statement by saying that health-insurance reform fits into his broader economic strategy. After last night's news conference, the President was asked about the arrest of Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates , who had forgotten his keys and was arrested while trying to get into his home.
To the Point
Healthcare Reform, the Economy and the Obama Agenda Recent reports on the progress of healthcare reform have portrayed a President battling his own party in Congress while his popularity ratings decline. Republicans -- and some Democrats, say he's moving too fast toward what some call "a government takeover" and a step toward "socialism." In his press conference last night, the President pushed what he called an "affordable" plan for "quality care," not financed "on the backs of middle class families." Which messages appeal to American voters? Is a familiar debate being re-framed in the age of the Internet?
Which Way, L.A.?
Healthcare Reform: Competition and the 'Public Option' Last night, ABC News televised a so-called “ town hall ” from the Obama White House. Today on Capitol Hill, committees were meeting both in public and behind closed doors while thousands rallied on the streets outside. It was all about healthcare reform, and debate is focused on quality, cost and proposals for a government-sponsored alternative to private insurance, the so-called “public option.”
To the Point
Healthcare Reform: Competition and the 'Public Option' Last night, ABC News televised a so-called " town hall " from the Obama White House. Today on Capitol Hill, committees were meeting both in public and behind closed doors while thousands rallied on the streets outside. There's a rare consensus in Washington that this is the moment for healthcare reform if Congress takes action before the end of this year. With protracted wrangling, the opportunity could be lost, and debate has bogged down over a public plan to compete with private insurance. Would it help maintain high quality at reduced cost? Would it drive insurance companies out of the healthcare business? We look at the pros and cons and at competing efforts to shape a winning message. What are the roles of ideology, media manipulation and money?
Recommended
To the Point
Ex-FBI Director Comey tells his side of the story Today, former FBI Director James Comey came close to calling the President who fired him a liar. The White House denied the claim and called it insulting, but Republican Senators did not challenge Comey’s truthfulness. Many questions remain: did the President try to obstruct a federal investigation? Later, we’ll go behind the “velvet rope” for a look at 5-Star health care for the richest Americans.
Left, Right & Center
President Trump: US to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord Trump says he was elected to serve Pittsburgh, not Paris.
To the Point
Terrorism and tweets, hate speech and murder Just days before an election, Britain is coping with a rash of deadly terrorism, and Prime Minister Theresa May is on the defensive. And again today, President Trump has tweeted criticism of the Mayor of London. Later, a double murder in Portland, Oregon has revealed the ugly past of a supposedly “progressive” city. One immediate question: is “hate speech” protected by the First Amendment?
To the Point
Is the threat from Russia missing from the Russia meddling probe? There's much being made about the Trump administration's possible ties with Russia. But the bottom line is Russia's effort to influence American democracy. Do the President and his aides care enough to take action before voters go back to the polls?